GIMP Version: 2.8.10
Operating System: Mac OS
GIMP Experience: Beginner Level

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Ok folks here we go.

I'm not sure whats going here, but it seems like Gimp is either very buggy (could be my operating system as OS X Mavericks has been a complete booger when it comes to a number of apps.) or the version I am using is questionable.

Before I go any further I am running a clean install of Gimp 2.8.10 I downloaded here:
http://gimp.lisanet.de/Website/Download.html

I've tried a few other versions , but none of them seem to work for me as they all crash far too often.

Granted, my system isn't exactly 'blazing' (2.26 ghz intel duo core) nor do I have alot of ram (2gb ram ) still it would seem like I should be able to get things done. (and I do for the most part...)


So
Issue number #1
Every now and then i'll see some weird looking computer 'artifact junk' in the preview window when I go to use both the displacement & bump map functions. I'll have to take a screenshot the next time I see it.

Issue #2
Inconsistency with mapping . Sometimes it seems to work perfect, at other times doesn't work at all. It doesn't make sense either as I follow the same steps as usual.
a) Layer image to size
b) Select the given map previously created that worked like a charm thus far for the given image.


Issue #3
bump mapping recently showed the preview of the mapped results , but did not actually create any effect. Even went back and followed my steps twice, same result.. nothing.


Question:
Can certain images 'throw off' mapping some how? (I have no clue, just taking a wild guess...)

Also, why do maps show up sometimes and others they do not?
I have noticed this several times since learning how to use the mapping function.

THANKS!